Rhinoceros Auklet—Photo: Mick Thompson
Port Williams and Gibson Spit
Leader: Kathy McCoy
Monday, Oct 20, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Number of participants: 12—Registration required. Register below at the “REGISTER” button.
Free to attend
Meeting place: Marlyn Nelson County Park at Port Williams
Kathy McCoy
Directions: From Sequim, head north on N Sequim Ave for about a mile. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto Port Williams Rd. Head east about 2.7 miles to the dead end at Marlyn Nelson County Park. Look for the woman wearing glasses, binoculars, and a bird baseball cap carrying a clipboard. (That’s me, Kathy McCoy.)
Features: We’ll be spending the morning along the shore at the entrance to Sequim Bay, walking south from the county park along the shore, and back, less than two miles. The focus will be on birds on the water: gulls, waterfowl, cormorants, loons, and alcids. Migration is winding down; the winter birds are settling in. We will also take a look at the forest birds near the park itself and in the trees adjacent to the beach. I like to observe plants and mammals as well as birds, so don’t be surprised if we stop to watch otters, or try to identify a beach plant.
There are records of 89 species seen here last year from September to November; that is the total for the period, not the average seen per day. So, while we are likely to see most any of these species, we are very unlikely to see them all. If you would like to see what has been spotted this time last year, click this link: eBird species, Sept to Nov, 2020-2025. I will be creating an eBird list that I will share with you all via your email address or eBird username.
Special Requirements: This is a beach walk, so wear whatever feels comfortable. Just be sure to dress for the weather; bring a raincoat, a fleece, water to drink, and a hiking stick if that helps you. I would highly recommend that you download eBird, Merlin, and Seek apps to your phone. If you have never used these apps, I will be at the meeting place at 8:00 a.m. and will be happy to show you how.
Equipment Required: Bring your binoculars, scope if you have it. I will bring a scope. Etiquette suggests sharing scope views with everyone.
Contact information: Kathy McCoy (208) 921-1340. Text or call if you have questions!
Liability Form: We ask field trip participants to sign a liability release form on or before the day of the trip. This signed form will be good for future field trips. You can review, download, and print the form in advance by visiting the OPAS website or clicking here. It’s preferred that you eSign the liability release form by clicking here.
Note: A waitlist has been enabled for this trip. If you need to cancel your reservation, please email webmaster@olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org.